This article will explain how to adjust the default virtual memory size on Windows 10.
What is virtual memory?
Virtual memory can be considered as being an extension of the computer's physical memory. In Windows 10 this file is named pagefil.sys (invisible to the user), and there's an easy way to adjust its default size or disable it.
How to change the default virtual memory size on Windows 10?
1) Click Start > File Explorer. Right-click on This PC, then left-click on Properties > Advanced System Settings > Advanced tab > Performance. Click Settings.
2) In the Performance Options window, go to the Virtual memory section, and click Change.
3) By default, the size of the paging file is managed by Windows. Because of this, the first step is to clear the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives checkbox:

Now that the options have been unlocked, you can move onto the next step.
How to move the paging file to another partition?
If you're running out of space on your primary partition, then you can move it to another one (same drive).
How to disable the Paging file?
Select the primary partition for the list, choose No Paging file, and click Set.
How to enable the Paging File?
Now that the paging file has been disabled on the first partition, select the one that you want to use, and pick either System managed size or Custom size.
System managed size allows Windows to dynamically manage the size of the paging file.
Custom size allows you to set the size of the file. Choosing a custom size is tricky — the idea is to limit the Maximum size so that the paging file does not become too big, although it will be limited by the size of the partition size:

As a general rule, the maximum size of the paging file must be 1.5x the amount of RAM installed. So, for a PC running on 4 GB of RAM, the maximum size of the swap file will be 1024 x 4 x 1.5 Mb.
What are other recommendations?
When to disable the paging file? Unless you want to use Windows' hibernation feature, you can safely disable the paging file for PCs equipped with 8 GB of RAM (and more).
Virtual memory and SSD? It is imperative that you turn off the paging file on an SSD. The constant writing/deleting of files will definitely have a negative impact on your SSD's life span.
A paging file for each partition? If you are using a single drive with multiple partitions, enabling a different paging file on each of them won't necessarily speed up the swapping of files. It will simply increase the time that Windows requires to search for the swap files (stored in multiple locations).
Windows 10
- Windows swap size
- Default virtual memory windows 10
- Virtual memory default settings windows 10
- How to increase command prompt buffer size > Guide
- How to increase cache memory in Windows: 10, 8, 7 > Guide
- TLauncher > Download
- Dual monitor shortcut key [solved] > Forum - Windows
- Dos Command/Batch file to find a folder size [solved] > Forum - Windows
- Change your computer name on Windows 10: via cmd, settings
- How to turn off system sounds on Windows 10
- How to fix F1 error at Windows startup?
- Where apps are stored on Windows 10?
- PC restarting on its own: Windows 10, 11
- LAN settings on Windows 10: check and configure
- How to change Windows 10's default photo viewer?
- Show hidden files on Windows 10: via cmd, shortcut
- How to turn on and use Wake on LAN on a PC?
- Reset Windows password: via cmd, without logging in
- How to disable volume shadow copy?
- Permanently disable Windows Defender in Windows 10
- Clear the Windows update cache: via cmd, Notepad
- How to install the latest Windows 10 update?
- Update to Windows 10 for free
- How to clear your Bluetooth sync history in Windows 10?
- Delete Windows.old from Windows 10: via CCleaner, Start menu
- Windows calendar show week number
- Speed up Windows 10 computer performance
- How to increase your PC hard disk space?
- Multi-touch gestures on Windows 10: enable and disable
- How to empty the Recycle bin on C drive in Windows 10?
- Command prompt: Windows 10, commands, shortcut
- Fix corrupted driver: Code 39, Windows 10
- Identify your motherboard on Windows 10: via cmd, DirectX
- Reinstall Windows 10 without losing data: via USB or ISO
- Save documents as PDF: on Windows 10, 8 and 7
- Play music on computer startup: Windows 10, Windows 7
- Windows 10 desktop keyboard shortcuts: the ultimate guide
- Disable Ctfmon.exe at startup on Windows 10
- Windows 10 Quick Access menu: customize and edit
- Change Windows 10 settings: language and region
- How to right click on touch screen: Windows 10, monitor
- How to remove password control at login on Windows 10?
- How to customize Mail app settings on Windows 10
- Asus smart gesture not working: after Windows 10 update
- God Mode folder on Windows 10: features
- Pagefile.sys file: purpose, size, location
- Fix touchpad on Windows 10: disabled, incompatible driver
- Install RSync under Windows: cygwin, powershell
- Disable background apps: on Windows 10, 7, and 8
- How to activate a pirated version of Windows?
- How to create a Windows 10 bootable USB or installation DVD?
- How to change the installation location on Windows 7, 10, 11
- How to open Internet Explorer in Windows 10 via cmd?
- How to display Windows 10 update in Control Panel?
- How to send email attachments on Windows 10?
- How to set up the phone companion app in Windows 10?
- How to turn off Taskbar Tidbits in Windows 10
- Customize the Send To menu on Windows 10: add items
- Delete file in Windows: CMD, 10
- Open the Device Manager on Windows 10: via cmd, run, shortcut
- Send text messages from Windows 10 via Your Phone app
- Customize the mouse pointer in Windows 8, 10
- Mount ISO files: Windows 10
- How to switch graphics processor on Windows 10
- Pin Run to the Windows Start menu: on Windows 7/8/10
- Take photos with your webcam on Windows 7, 10
- How to boot in safe mode in Windows 8, 10?
- How to create a desktop shortcut for Cortana: WIndows 10
- Windows 10: Home Vs Pro
- Add a printer in Windows 8.1, 10
- Best Windows 10 browser: 2022, for privacy
- How to hide desktop icons on Windows 10?
- How to enable classic notifications in Windows 10
- Desktop icons missing Windows: 10, 7, after update
- How to open the Windows 10 registry via cmd
- How to change Cortana search engine: to Google
- USB not recognized: Windows 10 fix
- How to use Cortana in Windows 10
- How to uninstall Microsoft Edge on Windows 10
- How to record screen: Windows 11, 10
- Speed up PC startup on Windows 7, 8, 10